LB 3Z)5 

•e.M 



Checking Schedule for 

Projected School 

Buildings 



By 
James O. Betelle 



The Bruce Publishing Company 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 



Checking Schedule for 

Projected School 

Buildings 

A Guide for School Boards and Superintendents 



By 



James O. Betelle, A. I. A. 

Member of the Firm of Guilbert & Betelle, Architects, Newark. 

Lecturer on School Architecture at Teachers College, 

Columbia University 




The Bruce Publishing Company 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 



.34 



: : Copyright I9I9 

Bruce Publishing Co. 



QCI iiO isjii 



©ci.ASssaso 



Introduction 



Tliis paiiiplilt't is liciiii;' wi-iltcu with ;i vii-w of Siiviii;; the tiiiu' 
tuid assistinj^ tlie sriiool honrd member or tlie su[)eriiiteii(leiif of 
schools of any eommuuity having' in charge the erection of a new 
scliool building. It will help them summarize their requirements 
and put them in proper form for discussion and api)rovaI by the 
IJoard of Education and finally to be turned over to the Architect 
as a basis for him to begin work on the plans. It will also serve to 
bring to mind many items that are often not remembered until the 
plans of the building are drawn, or as it sometimes happens, not 
until after the building is completed and occupied. 

I'art 1 calls attention to the items concerning which the 
Architect needs information before he can start upon the plans and 
si)ecilications. Part II is written to assist the Chairman of the 
Building Committee and Superintendent to quickly and completely 
check up the finished plans and specifications w^'th the least possible 
expenditure of valuable time and yet have all important points con- 
sidered. 

In many communities a new school is only built once in a gen- 
eration and the Chairman of the Building Committee, the President 
of the Board and the Superintendent of Schools, are usually the 
most actively interested and the ones most responsible for the suc- 
cess of the contemplated building. It is also often the case that the 
persons public spirited enough to serve as members of the School' 
Board have many other calls upon their time and strength aside 
from that all-important Imsiness of "earning a living." Anything 
tiiat can be done to help tliese conscientious and busy public ofticials 
get for their community a complete and up-to-date school building 
Avith as little effort as possible, is well worth while. It is hoped that 
the data and suggestions here presented will in a measure serve this 

purpose. 

—J. (). 15. 



PART I. 

Information Needed by the Architect to Start Preparation of 
Plans and Specifications for a New School 

Till' Airliitcft lit the very start of tlic work lu-eds (•crtaiu iiit'or- 
iiiation ill order to properly l)egin tlie i)reparati<)n of tlie plans. 
Tliis iiiforination iiuist be furiiislied him liy the Board of Education 
after carefnl consideration, and after consultation with the Superin- 
tendent of Schools. Some of the items in the list given below are 
educational and refer to the organization and policy of the school 
system, others are strictly constructional and have reference to the 
design of the school building. 

One of the first things that sliould be furnished th(> Architect is 
a "Program" showing the course of study to be taught, the length 
of class periods, and the number of ])upils to be accommodated in 
each subject. It is impossible to ]ir(i])erly design a school building 
unless it is determined beforehand what subjects are to be taught 
and a definite "Program" has been laid out. 

To assist in making up a list of requirements for the new school 
building one scheme Avhich has been carried out succ(;ssfully in a 
large school organization is to have the Superintendent send out a 
questionnaire to principals, supervisors, heads of departments and 
teachers who will be located in the new building, inviting their views 
and suggestions regarding the new building. The results of the 
answers to the questionnaire and discussions which follow are sum- 
marized and placed before the Board for consideration. If real 
progress is to be made in schoolhouse planning the suggestions and 
recommendations of the teachers who actually live and work in the 
buildings we construct, must be obtained, considered and followed, 
where, in the final judgment of the Board of Education it may seem 
wise so to do. 



]\rKM()KA.\l)A 



List of Items Concerning Which the Architect 
Needs Information 

Kinds oi' Sciiooi.: 

('ousttlidiilcd Sclmols? 

Grade School? 

.lunior llijili Scliool? 

Senior ]Iii;li Scliool? 

Mamiiil Trainiii;; oi- ('oiiniiei-c;al IIi;;li Scliool? 

\'ocatioiial Jfiuli Scliool? 

OlJGANIZATIOX OF SCHOOL: 

Scheme of organization slionld lie stated: 
Standard school program? 

Platoon, ])ui)licate, or Moditied "Gary" System? 
Should the G — (i, (5 — 2 — 4, or (i — 3 — '.'> jdan of organization be 
installed? 

GAI'ACITY of lUlLDINC : 

Total nunil'er of im])ils f(n- wliicli accommodations are now 
required? 

I'robable number of pupils in each subject? 

Number of pupils in various class units? 

Provision for pupils in classrooms over and above jiresent re- 
quirements, to take care of the normal increase for the 
next few years, \\itliout building any new aildition to 
school ? 

Scheme of Sti'dy Rooms : 

Number of Study Kooms and seating cajiacity of each? 

Stouage Kooms fok Hooks and Stationery : 

State desired nmuber, size, and preferred location? 

Rules fou Comi'itino Nlmiseu of Pifils 
Accommodated in a School Buildin(;. 

The American Institute of Architects and the Committee on 
Standardization of School Buildings of the National Edu- 
cation Association have both adtipted the following 
method : 
"('(jniimte the nuudier (tf pupils noiinally accommodated in 
rooms designed fiii" classes cmly. S])ecial i-ooms ai-e to be 
7 



Memoranda 



lij;nri'(l at tlic acliial miiiihcr of pupils accdiniiiodatcd for 
one class period only. Auditoriums and asscnihlv rooms 
are to be ignored, but gymnasiums may be figured for on(! 
or two classes, as, the accommodations may provide. No 
gymnasiums, however, shall be accredited willi two clatwes, 
if below 40 by 70 feet in size." 

It shduld lie noted that the jmiiil capacity of a huilding coni- 
]intcd on the basis given above represents a ma.vimum cai)acity. It 
is not altogether desirable to begin the use of a new school building 
(•(Hinting upcn such r(.(inis as lalxsratcries, shops and otlicr siK'cial 
i-coms as home seats. After the sclnxd has bei-n built a few years 
and before an addition can he c(,nstructed it is often necessary to 
use these s{)ecial as hcnne .seats or stations for pupils, at which time 
the maximum pupil capacity will be reached. Pupil capacity can 
possibly best be stated as "maximum pupil capacity," in accordance 
with the A. I. A. and N. E. A. rules and upon which the c(ist per pupil 
is figured, and "normal i)upil capacity," which is the desirable num- 
ber of i)ui)ils any school building will accommodate. 

NUMBEU AND iSlZES OF KOOMS 

For Diffeuext Puuposes : 

Number of standard classrooms and sizes of each? 

Number of recitation rooms and sizes of each ? 

Number and kind of special rooms and sizes of each? 

A school building should be so constructed that changes in 

sizes of rooms may be easily made to take care of future 

educational requirements. 

AriinoiiUM : 

Total seating capacity? 
Located on first or ground tioor? 
Number of seats desired on nuiin floor? 
Number of .seats desired in gallery, if any? 
Main floor to be flat or sloping? 
Area desired for stage? 
Shall stage be arranged for scenery? 
Pipe organ? 

Built in fire]iroof moving picture booth? 

Provision for (hirkening interior cf Auditorium in daytime for 
nniving ])ictures? 

9 



;Mi;m()i;a.\I)a 



Easily acfcssiMc for Cili/.ciis' iNIcctiii^s, or otlicr outside pur- 
pose iu cvcuiuiis, or otlicr {'auvs without opcuiun' up entire 
huildiuii? 

lI('iitiu;H iiud N'eiililiitiuji syslcins s<']i;nnl(' ri-oiii rest of liuiJdiui;- 
so room need only he venlilnted wlicn actiially in use by a 
larj^e nundier of jtersons? 

AMll A\ulitoriuiii l>e used for any other j)urj)ose such as jiyni- 
nasiuni or sludy hall? 

Gymnasium : 

Size and heij^ht? 

Spectators' i;al]ery and number of seats in same? 

Will more than one gymnasium be required or an additional 
exercise room be needed? 

Arransicment of Locker, Dressinii' ami Shower Koonis, approxi- 
mate size and nund)er of lockers and showers desired in 
each. 

Physical Director's Ottice? 

l>rinkin<i fountain in Uymnasium? 

Apparatus storajie room? 

Physical and Medical Examination Kooms? 

Gymnasium accessible from outside for community uses with- 
out openinj;- main part of buildinj;? 

Rifle Kani;e? 

Wrestlin.n, Poxinji', or Lecture Kooms? 

Kunninj; Track? 

Note that minimum size (»f a standard basket ball court is 'A~>' x 
(K)', maximum size, ~A)' x !)()'. A space of at least :}'0" should 
be aiiowe(l all around court. 

Swimminii' Pool? 

LiitUAUV : 

Size and jireferred location? 

Nuudter of books at present in school library and j)robable 
maximum number in future? 

For school use only, or also a circulatiufj;' Library? 

If circulating community Libiary, provision should be made for 
its use outside sclusol hours, evenings and holidays. Also 
provision for heating without running main heating jdant. 

Library Stack Koom? 

Library ^^'ork Poom? 

11 



Memoranda 



l.ihi-iii'.v iiiii.v iilso ]>(' used to a(lv;iiit;i<i(' for tcucluM's' inootiuf^s, 
;iii(l sclidol and coiuiminity cluh incctiii^s. 

liAKOUATOUll'lS : 

Kinds of Laboratories? 

Niuuhcr, size, and prcfcircd location? 

Xundicr of luipils to ])c acconnnodatcd at one time in cacli? 

E(]iiil(UHMd? 

Lkcti ItK JfooMs: 

Xunilicr, size, use and jirt'lVrrcd locations? 

Seats on raised platforms? 

Pupils to be accommodated in eacli? 

Equipment? 

Si'EciAL Rooms: 

Number, size, and preferred location of all special rooms 
such as : 



l>ookkee]nn,i;- 

Stenograi)hy 

Typewriting 

School Bank 

Music Rooms 

Domestic Science De- 
partment 

Laundry 

ilodel Aj)artnient 

Sewing Room 

Fitting Room 

Men Teachers' Room 

Women Teachers' Room 

Girls" Rest R(i(;m 

Medical Ins]iection 
Rooms 

Dental Clinic Room 

Play Rooms 

Woodworking Shop 

^Lichine Shoj) 



Sheet JNIetal Shop 
Forge Shop 
Printing Shop 
Agriculture 
Bicycle Room 
Kindergarten 
Mechanical Drawing 

Room 
Freehand Drawing 

Room 
Arts and Crafts Room 
Museum 
•lanitor's Room 
(Conservatory 
Princiiial's Office 
Superinteiulent's Office 
Board of Education 

Rooms 
Secretary's Office 
Open Air Rooms. 



State number of pupils to be accommodated at one time; approx- 
imate size and preferred location of each room ; also, descrip- 
tion of special eiiuipment and accessories. 
13 



Memokanua 



Ivi xcii Room : 

I'lovisidii fof |)i('|)iiiiii,i; and sci'viiii;' liiiichcs to scholars and 
tcaclicrs? 

NiiimIkm- oI' pupils (o he seated al (Hic tiiiu-, and iirefci-red loca- 
tion of room ".' 

TVI'ES OK W.VltDKor.ES AM) AIktiioi) of 
Takixc <'ai!k ok I'rriLs' Clotiuxc: 

Wardrobes in rooms? 

Separate Cloak Kooms adjoining Classrooms? 
Steel Lockers in basement or elsewhere? 
Any other special arran<ienient desired? 

PUOVISION I'OU EXTEXSIOX OF lillLDIXC 

TO Take Caue of FrxruE Gkowtii: 

Buildings under twenty classrooms in size and in mjiny cases 
larger ones, should always he designed so that additions to 
same can be easily built. It is recommended that a future 
addition he actually drawn out on the preliminary sketches 
for future reference. Later Boards of Education can then 
see what was contem])lated in the way of an addition when 
the hnilding was planned, and whether they follow it in all 
its details or not, tlu-y at least have a basis to start to work 
on. 

Money Availaule: 

For building f 

For driveways, ]>at]is and grading property 1^ 

For Architects' fees •? 

For furniture and equijjment ^ 

Surplus for contingencies -if 

Total ? 

When Is It Desiueo to Have 
School BriLDiNG Co:\ii'i,ErEi).'' 

It must he remembered that for a medium size Itrick building it 
takes from two to three months to preiiare plans and speci- 
fications, and from eight months to one year to build (he 
school, dcjicuding upon its size. 
15 



Mk.mokaxda 



SriiVEV OF ruoi'KKTV: 

It is the diitv of the Hoard of lOducation to fni-iiisli tlic Ai-cliitt':-t 
with a coiniilctc topograpliical .survi'V of tlic iii-op; rty. Tliis 
survey shouhl give dimensions, levels, show streets, locate 
all trees and existiuj^' buildings, gas mains, water main, 
sewers, eleetrie mains, and kind of eurrent available ; also 
any peculiar features of llic ])roperty, or any restrictions 
applying to same. 

Test Bouings : 

The Board of Education should have test borings made or test 
pits dug to determine the character and bearing capacity of 
the soil; also to locate the level of sub-surface water, and 
the location of rock if any. Neglect to determine the char- 
acter and depth of the underlying soil, has many times been 
the cause of great expense, later on, when the construction 
of the building was under way. 

^^■()la<; TO Be Included Or Not 
In("i,i"iieu in Contuact.^ 

Are lighting fixtures to lie included or purchased later? 

Are window shades to be included or purchased later? 

Is entire property to be graded or only just around building? 

Are road, paths, and sidewalks, to be included? 

Is the building contract to include furniture and e(iui|iment oi- 

any special items of same? 

Insurance on Buildixo Duuing 
Construction : 

The Board of Education usually insures the l)uilding against 
tire and tornado, during construction; for the benefit of all 
parties concerned as their interests may appear at the time 
of loss. Liability insurance and damage to persons or prop- 
erty is carried by the contractor. 

Method of Making Payments to < 'oxtuactors : 

This is usiuilly done monthly, uixai certificate of the Architect 
and equal to So^c of the value of labor and material act- 
ually incorporated into the building at the time of calculat- 
17 



-Mk.mokamia 



iiii; p;i\ iiiciil. 'I'lic rciii;iiiiiii!L; ].")'; ;ici-iiimil;itcs ;is a liiial 
|)ayiiiciit. wliich is liciiiTal.v made w ifliiii ;;0 davs after coiii- 
plclidii ami acccptaiicc (if llic Imildiiii;- h.v llic lidard. 

JfATKHIALS 'lO l!i: I'SEIl IX TlIK ]'>r II,I)1X(; : 

Kind (if face hrick and cxtciicn- trim? 

Kind of fioor constriK-tion? 

Fireproof or senii-fircijroof ('(instrnctidn? 

Materials of roof? 

Kind of wood for insidi' trim? 

Kind of wood for (Massroom floors? 

Kind of floors in Corridors? 

Kind of floors and wainscoting in Toilet Ro(mis? 

Type of windows — double hunii, hinged, or pivoted? 

Kind of stairs? 

Etc., etc., etc. 

By reading- over I'art II certain items may he noticed concerning 

which it is desired to give special instructions at the time 

the i>lan and specifications are started. 

Book LiI'Ts, Dumb Waiters, Dist Chutes: 

If any are required, number, size and location should be stated. 
Vertical shafts and doors to .same should in all cases be tire- 
proof. 

Wainscdtixc; in Coiannoiis ou Cr>ASsi!00MS: 

Lower Avails of classrooms and especially corridors are sub- 
jected to heavy Avear and abuse. Wainscoting of painted 
burlap is often used in classrooms and glazed brick about 
5' 0" high in corridors. 

Sound Deaokxixc of Floors Or I'artitioxs: 

Certain floors and partitions such as the floor of a gymnasium 
where located over an auditorium, or a Toilet Boom ad- 
joining a Classroom, need to be insulated and have sound 
dea<lening. There may also lie other cases where such 
sonnd deadening is required as, for instance, around ^lusic 
Booms, (ivmnasium, noisy Shops, etc. 

19 



"W'licn llic al)(ivc iiislriirl icns ;iihI spccinl iiifm-mal ion lias I'ccu 
given the Arcliitect, lie can llicn pi-dcciMl willi the |ii-c|)ai-al ion of tjic 
plans and specifiralions. lie will lirst make rreliniinary i'lans and 
Specificaticns which will Ic snluiiillcd to the Board of Edncation 
and Snpei-inteudent.s, for their criticism and ajfproval, and any 
changes can easily be made at that time. 

Preliminary plans and specifications are jnst what their name 
implies, and are easily modified or changed. Give enongh time and 
stndy to the preliminary sketches so as to be entirely satisfied, before 
approving them. Don't wait nntil the final plans and specifications 
are all completed and ready to be sent ont for estimates, and then 
decide to make changes. This not only causes delay, but also means 
an additional charge by the Architect for changing completed plans 
and specifications, which are always prepared along the lines of the 
approved preliminary sketches. 



20 



PART II. 
Outline of Items for Checking Plans and Specifications 

After the I'reliniiiiary I'laiis of tlic proposed scliooi hiiildiini 
have been submitted l)y the Arcliitect, and approved I)y the Board of 
Education and the Superiuteudeut, the Arehitect proceeds with the 
preparation of final estimating and workin<4 drawings. When these 
estimating plans and specifications are completed, they are usually 
submitted to the I^oard of Education and Superintendent for final 
approval and authority to advertise for bids and to send tliem out to 
Contractors for estimates. 

Blueprints of the tinal phuis and specifications for approval 
should be left with the Board and ample time given to carefully look 
over same, by the Superintendent and Board members having the 
matter in charge. Any fundamental changes should always be made 
in the I'reliminary I'lans and only slight corrections, if found abso- 
lutely essential, should be made in these final plans. 

After the estimating drawings are issued, to the Contractors, no 
changes should be made. If mistakes or discrepancies are discov- 
ered, this can be taken care of by mailing a "Bulletin" to each Con- 
tractor figuring, which Bulletin is afterwards made i)art of the 
contract. The law requires that a contract must be let in strict 
accordance with the plans, specifications and estimate submitted. 
After the award of the contract and start of construction changes 
should be avoided. Changes at this time are liable to lead to dis- 
putes, misunderstandings, and very often to excessive extra costs. 

It is the duty of the School Board and Superintendent to know 
in a general way what the plans and specifications include or omit, 
and satisfy themselves that special items which they have discussed 
from time to time during the preparation of the i)lans have been 
properly taken care of. It is practically impossible for the busy Sup- 
erintendent and the busier School Board members to read thru the 
entire si)ecificatious and to see and check uj) everything on the plans. 
In fact, if they did have the time, they would find that the greater 
part of the plans and specifications were of a teclinical natui'c, of 
no interest to the laymen, and not easily understood by him. 

21 



Auibitious School Suix'rintciKlciits or IJuildiii^ roimiiiltt'c, 
Mcnibevs often take home tlie jjlaiis and speciMcations witli the idea 
of reading them thrn, word for woi-d. After conscientionsly reading 
the lirst fifteen or twenty pages out of a hnndred or more, they find 
that tlie teclniical nature and volnme of tlie i)ages makes it practi- 
cally impossible to make any headway, or get a clear understanding 
of what the plans and specifications actually call for. It is with the 
idea of simplifying this procedure and giving the Superintendent 
and the Board members, the information with a minimum amount 
of labor, that the memoranda given below have been prepared. 

The examination and approval of the plans by the Superintend- 
ent is not with the idea of relieving the Architect of any of his 
responsibilities. It is the Architect's duty to see that the plans and 
specifications are complete and agree with each other, and that the 
State and Local Laws applying to School Buildings have been com- 
plied with. Also that the instructions given from time to time by 
the Board, as to arrangement, materials or finishes, are carried out, 
and that a complete, substantial and safe building is produced when 
the plans and specificatious are executed in brick, stone and mortar. 

The list given below will be of assistance in helping to check 
important points covered by the plans and specifications, without 
the necessity of reading through the specifications word for word. 
If the persons in authority will make sure that the various items 
mentioned in this list are taken care of as they desire them, they 
will have gone a great way towards obtaining a building that will 
meet with their special requirements. 

In case you cannot find in the plans and specifications some of 
the items mentioned below, ask your Architect to point out the same 
to you, or if emitted to explain how he proposes taking care of the 
same. 

The list could very well be supplemented by reading over the 
''Score Card of the City School Building" and "Score Card of Eural 
School Building" together with the explanations that accompany 
same, as prepared by Dr. George D. Strayer, Professor of Educa- 
tional Administration, Teachers College, Columbia University, Xew 
York City. These score cards suggest many items to investigate and 
be siire are properly taken care of where same apply to your building. 



General 

Sec tliiit inslniclions ;is (o iiiiiiihcr of ('l;issi-(imiis, jiiiil S|)('ciiil 
liooins iir(> ciin-icd out on pliuis. 

See that i\\o instructions as to ^fcthod of Malciuii I'a.vnicuts to 
("ontractors. Time of Coniplclion of I'.uildinji. Insurance, etc., arc 
carried out in llie s|)ecitications. 

Check up the corporate name of the I'.oard of lOducalion men- 
tioned in tile specilications as Owner of the ])ro]i()sed Imildinii. This 
is often wrongly staled. 

Decide who furnislies and pays for water, liylit, and heat, used 
duriufi' construction of the building — the Owner or the Contractor? 

See that specilications rcMpiire Contractor to tile plans and ol)- 
tain and i)ay for Uuildinu Permit, or that it is otlierwise jjroperly 
taken care of. 

Provision for temiiorary ofHce for Contractor with telejjhone 
connection, during ccnistruction of huildiuii? 

See that temporary toilet facilities are provided for workmen 
from start to completion of job. 

Investiiiate cuttiuij, dow n of certain trees within the area of new 
buildinfi' and the boxiiij; around or protecting of these trees which 
are to remain. 

Removal of any old buihUnji' on site and disposal of old material. 
Is it desired to save any old auiterials? 

Masonry 

Provision in the sjiecitication if rock is encountered in excava- 
tions? (It is usual for Contractors to estimate on excavations of 
ordinary clay, statinji' an extra ])rice in their estimate ]>er cubic yard 
if rock is encountered ) . 

Provision in specification for keepint;,- excavations free from 
water if sanu' is encounter(»d \\hile diiiiiint;? 

What measures have been taken to make walls and Hours of 
rooms below grade waterproof? 

Do soil conditions nnike a tile sub-surfai-e drain necessary 
around the building? 

What (juality of lime, sand and cement has been siiecilied? 

Cement sidewalks, paths and (bives? 

("(IMI'OSITIOX OF ;M()UTAK: 

Csually 1 ]iai-t cement, :! parts sand, and 10'^^ lime putty. 
■23 



CujirosiTioN Ol' < 'oXCltETE : 

A good mixture is 1 part ccnu'iit, '■'> pai'ts sand and 5 parts 
liroken stone. 

Take Note Wiieue Cement Flooks Aue Called For 
ON Plans and ^i'ecifications : 

Consult Architect and learn location where any special kind of 
floor has been used other than the ordinary wood floor. The 
School Board is often surprised on completion of building 
to find that a cement floor has been laid in a Manual Train- 
ing Koom where sharp tools are used and sometimes 
dropped and ruined, and wood floor in the Forge Room 
where hot coals fall on the floor. Special notice should 
therefore be taken about materials of finished floors in all 
rooms and sjiaces. 

Take Note Where Fireproof Floor Construction 
and Roofs Are Called for : 

In a fireproof building it is assumed that all floor construction 
is fireproof, altho the roof construction is sometimes built of heav}' 
timber to save money. In a semi-fireproof building it is usual to 
make the Corridors and Stairs fireproof, and also floors and ceilings 
of Boiler Room and Manual Training Room fireproof. Other con- 
struction of wood. 

Look Up Kind of Materials Used in Outside 
Walls Above and Below Grade : 

Concrete, stone, brick, terra cotta blocks, wood, etc.? 

Materials of Inside Partitions and 
Where Do Fireproof Walls Occur.^ : 

Minor interior partitions are usually Avood in a semi-fireproof 
building, and brick, terra cotta, plaster block, etc., in a fire- 
proof building. In a semi-fireproof building certain in- 
terior partitions should be fireproof such as enclosing walls 
of Boiler Room, Manual Training Rooms, Corridors, Stairs, 
etc. It is well to know just where these occur. 

What Outside Face Brick Has Been Specified.': 
Have sample submitted for approval of Board. 



What Oi'Tsidk Tium Has 1?kk\ Si'Kcifikm.-': 

Stone, torra cot (a, copper, i^alvaiiizcd .sheet iron, wood, etc. 
Have sample snhniitted foi- approval if stone or terra cotta. 

AVlIAT Si'ACKS OK 1\0()MS IN ] '.III.DINC; HAVK THE 

Bkick oil Teuua (\)Tta Walls oh ('i:ilin(!s 
LeI'T Exposed Witiioit Plaster.'': 

Tlie I'.oard and Sni)erintendents ai-e often snrprised wlien goinj;- 
throu};li a tinislied school hnilding to find certain rooms not 
plastered. This is as it shonld l)e in certain rooms, such as 
Store liooms. Play Courts, Boiler Room, etc., but all such 
uni)lastered spaces should be checked u]) and agreed to. 

iNtniuE HoAv P>i'iLL)iNf; Is Dami'-Proofeo Above Grade: 

All outside walls whether brick, terra cotta block, or concrete, 
should be furred. That is, the inside i)lastering kept 1 ' or 
more away from the inside face of outside wall, thus leav- 
ing an air space and preventing moisture from penetrating 
outside walls and through plaster into finished rooms. 

Kind of Plaster Specified : 

"Old Fashion" mortar is where lump lime is slacked and sand 
hair mixed into same by hand. This takes considerable 
time, as the slacked lime must be given opportunity to cure 
and cool, (not less than :>0 days). It is also difficult to be 
assured of correct proportions and too much sand is often 
used. 

Factory mixed "Patent Plaster" has the sand and hair accurate- 
ly mixed with the lime at the mill. It is put up in bags 
aud shipped direct to the job and only needs the addition 
of water to make it ready for immediate ajiplication. While 
a little more expensive than "Old Fashion" plaster, it is a 
much more scientific mixture. 

Kind of Lath Specified : 

J\[etal lath is always used in fii-e]iroof buildings. In semi-fire- 
proof buildings, wood lath is used on partitions, but it is 
preferable to use metal lath on ceilings. Strips of metal 
lath should also be used where wood lath comes up against 
a brick wall, so as to avoid cracks caused by the shrinkage 

of the wood. 

•25 



Metal Cok.nek I^eads: 

Should he spccilicd for all cxtcnial auiilcs in plaslcr work. 

Finish of Plasteu : 

SniO(itli or sand finish? Smooth tinished iilastci- is generally 
used and is to be preferred as it is more sanitary than tiic 
rough sand finish. 

Miscellaneous Iron Work 
Main Staius : 

May be reinforced concrete or iron. 

Heiglit of risers and widtli of treads? 

Eisers not over 7" high. 

Treads not less than 12" wide. 

No open well hole should be permitted between flights ou ac- 
count of fire or smoke. 

Balustrade rails at side should be not less than 5'0" high to pre- 
vent accidents. 

Hand rails should be provided on both sides of all flights of 
stairs. 

Any iron stairs or iron ladder to roof? 

Stairs should be shut ofT from corridors with fireproof smoke 
screen. 

Miscellaneous : 

Ash lift or other provision for getting ashes out of Boiler Eooni? 
Are outside woven wire window guards specified for all ground 

floor windows? 
Have coal holes or coal chutes been called for? 
Any folding iron gates across corridors desired to cut off certain 

portions of building when Auditorium or other rooms are 

being used at nights? 
Aiiy iron fence called for around playgrounds and rest of 

property ? 
Any iron fire escapes? 
Mild scrapers and mats at entrance doors? 
Any fireproof record vault required? 



Roofing and Sheet Metal 

Kind of i-(;()tiii;ii- used in vjirions ]iliic('s, sncli as tin, copper, pitch, 
I'clf. and sla.n'. otc. 

Material of (laslnufis, liiittcr, and down sponts? ( Siionld lie 
cop|)cr ) . 

-Material of any metal cornices or other ornamental featnres on 
exterior? (Shouhl be copper). 

Type of skylights used? Wire ,i;lass used for glazing with 
woven wire guards oyer sanu' for ]U'otection. 

All roohng and skylight work should lie guaranteed by con- 
tractor as watei'tight for a period of years; with repairs 
nnide free of cost to Owners in case of leaks occurring dur- 
ing period of guarantee. 

Carpentry 

Kiud of wood and quality of same for Classrocni floors? 
(Usually rift sawn yellow pine or clear maple). 

Kind of floors used in (!V>rridors? (Wood, asphalt, cement, 
composition, linoleum, etc. ) 

Single or double floors used where wood floors are called for? 

Bolts for window cleaner's belt on outside of all window frames, 
above ground floor? 

Kind of windows specirted — doulde hung sash, casement, revolv- 
ing, or some special type? 

Has sash cord or sash chain been specifled for double hung win 
dows? 

Window frames caulked with oakum, and sash equipped with 
metal weather strips, to prevent excessive air leakage? 

Kiud of interior wood trim? 

Location of picture moulding? 

Kiud of doors? Flush surface hospital type with glass panel in 
upper portion, or ordinary panelled wood door? 

Kind of blackboards and their location? Slate or composition? 

Type of chalk troughs? Height of chalk troughs above floor? 

Cork display board iu Classrooms and bulletin board in Corri- 
dors? 

Dressers and cupboards in special rooms? 

Any folding or r<dling partitions required between Classrooms? 
27 



Ave partitions between toilet fixdii-cs wood, inctal, soapstone, 
slate, etc.? 

Bookcase and Teachers' Closets in eatli Classidoiu? 

Special shelving in closet or store rooms? 

Metal covered doors to Boiler Room and Mannal Traininj;- 
Rooms, closing otf same from Corridors and Basement? 

Metal covered partitions and doors glazed with wire glass enclos- 
ing staircases and acting as a smoke and fire screen? 

Hardw'AUE: 

Materials and quality? 

Solid bronze or brass hinges on outside doors, plated brass on 

inside doors? 
Key system for various rooms and master key for all doors? 
Special locks for Special Rooms, such as Priucij)al's Office, 

Laboratory, etc. 
Numbers on doors to classrooms? 
Panic bolts required on all outside doors. 
Any spring checks desired on outside or inside doors to keei> 

same closed? 
Metal kickplates required across bottom of certain doors? 

Painting 

Materials and quality of same? 

Number of coats of paint called for by specifications on wood, 

iron and plaster? 
Samples of interior wood iinisb to be made for the approval of 

the Board? 
Plaster walls painted and where? 
Painting of brick walls and where? . 

Painting of cement floors. Where and what material used? 
Lettering of doors to various rooms? 
Special decorative painting of Auditorium and Main Entrance 

Hall? 

Glazing : 

Quality of glass used in outside windows? 

Quality of glass used in exterior and interior indoors? 



Oltsfure fjlass used in sudi i)Iiic(' iis Toilet Kooiu windows. 

Shower and Loeker Kooins, etc. 
^^Ml•e jiiiiss for lii-eproof |)arl itions, (ioors, an<l stair en<-losnres? 
I.eadeil (ilass? 

Plumbing 

Any liol walci' heating ajiparatus? Kind, size and loeation? 

Location of lixtnres to lie snjiplied witii liot water? 

Is pliimhiuy a cast iron or screw pipe jol)? 

Disposal of rain water on surface of ground, or into sewer? 

IMpe covering on hot and cold water and steam pipes? 

Tests of system as required by local Board of Health? 

Is hot water a circiilating system or only a single pipe system ? 

Connections on outside of building for water hose? 

Are fire line stand pipes and hose reels called for in corridors? 

lMund)ing fixtures? Examine illustration, or preferably see 

sami)les of all plumbing fixtures? 

Water closet with seat action and pressure water tanks are 
to be preferred. Seats with open cut in front also preferred. 

Individual white porcelain urinals about 4'G" high are to be 
preferred to the ordinary slate or soapstone urinal. 
Look up location of Toilet Rooms and numlier of fixtures in 

each? 
Location and number of drinking fountains? 
Any floor drains called for in Toilet Rooms or Basement? 
Any -automatic cellar drain called for as required? 
Number and location of shower baths? 
Any water lilters, storage tanks, i)umps, etc. required? 
Sewerage disposal plant required where no sewers are available. 
Inside cast iron rain water leaders from roofs or outside sheet 

metal leaders? 
Any laundry tubs desired in connection with Domestic Science 

Room? 
Any pipes running through cold air rooms or any unheated 

spaces should be carefully covered to prevent freezing. 

\'AcruM Clpumx(; System: 

Type of nmchiue? I'ortable or stationary? 
Capacity of nmchine? Number of sweepers that can be used at 
one time? 



Location of outlets? 

Number of sets of hose and tools furnisheil? 

Gas Pii'ixc : 

Check location of emergency gas outlcis in con-idors, stairs, 

auditorium, etc. 
Provide gas outlets in Laboratories, Lunch Room, Domestic 

Science Room, Boiler Room, Teachers' Room, etc. 
Location of gas meter and approval of piping installation by 

local gas company? 

Electric Work 

Architect must obtain full information as to the kind of curi-ent 
and its phase and voltage furnished by the local Lighting Co. 

Check up number of lights in Classrooms? 

See how lights in Classrooms are controlled, either by local 
switch in Classroom or from panel boards in Corridors? 

Any outside lights at entrance? 

Base receptacles where needed? 

Electric outlets for special furniture in Laboratories, Demon- 
stration Tables, etc. 

Outlet for motion picture or stereopticon machine? 

Lights in Auditorium controlled by one main switch located 
near moving picture machine, in addition to switches in Dressing 
Room off the stage. At times it is necessary that moving pic- 
ture 0])erator be able to turn off and on Auditorium lights, as for 
instance when film breaks, lights should be turned on and off again 
by Operator when film is repaired. 

Footlights on stage or side and overhead lights around prosen- 
ium arch. Provide plenty of overhead lighting on Stage so chorus or 
orchestra will have no trouble reading their music. 

Location of progi'am bells and how operated; by a program 
clock or hand push button? 

Electric power for motors, fans and vacuum cleaner? 

Outside door push button ringing bells in front Corridor and 
Boiler Room. 

Special program bells in noisy rooms? 

Push button and buzzer from stage to stereopticon location? 

Fire alarm bells and tlieir location? How operated? 

30 



Bells, t('l('])li()iu's ;iii(l clocks ()]ici;itc(l liy di-v liiiftcrics or storage 
hsitteries. 

Loiij; (lisliuicc ciilsidc tclcpiiones? 

A]\\ intci'idr (clciilioiic systi'iii? Lociilioii ol' central switch- 
hoard lor iiilcrior teleplioiie system? 

Nuniher and location of interior and ontside telephones? 

Nnnil)er and location of secondary clocks in Classro(»nis which 
are ojn'raled l\v master clock in Princiiial's Ottice? 

Location of master clock, program bells, switchboard, lire alarm 
switchboard, tele]ihone switchboard? ( I'snally in Principal's outer 
office). 

Any electi-ic outlets recpiired for electric irons or electric stoves? 

Kind and design of lighting fixtures? 

Is electric service wire from street main run exiiosed overhead 
on poles or concealed in conduit belo\A- ground? 

Underwriters" Certificate of Inspection approving wiring instal- 
lation, to be obtained by Contractor and filed with Board of Educa- 
tion before final payment is made on contract. This certificate is 
needed in connection with fii'e insuraiici' jiolicy on building. 

Heating and Ventilating 

General description of system? 

Kind of piping system : one pipe, two pipe, vajior or vacuum 
system ? 

Are fans used for either or both the fresh air supply and exhaust 
ventilation? 

Type of boiler or furnace? 

Kind of boiler grates — stationary or shaking grates? Kind and 
size of coal to be burned? Boiler grates should be suitable for kind 
of coal to be used. Oil burning boilers in certain localities. 

Special provision for heating up Principal's Office, Board of 
Education, Superintendent's Office during winter holidays and even- 
ings, so entire building will not have to be heated? ("Gas-steam" 
radiators good for this purpose). 

Is automatic temperature c<mtrol called for? AVhat sections 
are so controlled? 

Quality of valves specified? 

Quality of pipes specified? 

31 



Arc Toilet J^ooiiis specially vciitilaleil iiideiieiHlciil of scIkio! 
ventilation? 

If hot air blast system of heating- is used, are direct radiatoi-s 
installed in rooms where water is Ij^ated to i)revent freezing dnriiig 
nights, Sundays and holidays? ^ 

Kind of air valves used: is an air line system specified with or 
without vacuum pump? 

Is piping system valved for separate control of direct radiator 
in Classrooms, Auditorium, etc., and for indirect air heaters for ven- 
tilation. Also so sections of building can be shut off in case of acci- 
dent to any part of system ? 

Is ventilation of Classrooms and Auditorium controlled sepa- 
rately so that either section can be used without the other? 

Types of radiators specified — wall or floor? 

Any provision for humidifying air? 

Any air washers? 

Are all pipes covered? 

All exposed pipes and radiators painted or bronzed? 

Note — The Ventilating of school buildings is not an exact science 
where definite results can always be depended upon. It should there- 
fore be designed and its installation supervised by a competent Heat- 
ing and Ventilating Engineer, of ability and judgment. It is bad 
practice to have Steam Heating Contractors, Material Men, or any- 
one else who has something to sell, lay out the heating and ventilat- 
ing plans and specifications. Heating and Ventilating systems have 
been subjected to a great deal of criticism, and no trouble or expense 
shoiild be spared to get a layout adapted to the special building in 
hand. After the building is completed it should be operated by some- 
one who knows more about a heating and ventilating plant than 
merely shoveling coal into the boilers. 



32 



LIBRflRY OF CONGRESS 

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